 In Burma... The British 17th Indian Division and supporting armored units (elements of British 4th Corps) begin a breakout from the bridgehead at Myaungu and advance toward Meiktila. Farther north, troops of British 33rd Corps step up their efforts to attract the main Japanese forces when the British 2nd Division crosses the Irrawaddy near Ngazun to link with the British 20th Indian Division who already have a bridgehead near there. Farther north still, the British 36th Division takes
Myitson.
In the Philippines... The US 11th Corps completes the capture of the Bataan area of Luzon. Fighting on Corregidor continues, as does the battle for Manila.
On the Western Front... Goch falls to the attacks of the 51st Division of the British 30th Corps (part of British 2nd Army).
In the Volcano Islands... The naval gun and air bombardment (by US Task Forces 52, 54 and 58) continues. The escort carrier
Bismark Sea is sunk and the fleet carrier Saratoga, an escort carrier and other ships are damaged by
Kamikaze attacks. Elements of the US 5th Amphibious Corps continue to make slow progress toward Mount Suribachi to the south and the airfield to the north. There are Japanese counterattacks and infiltration attempts during the night. |
